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Sulpa's Clams and Aquarium Fish The waters around Sulpa Island abound in clams, a principal source of livelihood for fishers living in and around the area. Watch as the fishers show off their bountiful produce, then listen as your guide tells you a clam and fish tale or two to share with the folks back home.
Gardens in the Sea Off Gilutongan, catch a glimpse of the "sea farmers" in their small boats, tending to their seaweed gardens. The seaweeds are dried and then brought to Cebu, where they are processed into carrageenan, a multi-purpose ingredient in processed food, cosmetics, medicines and other products. Your boat then takes you to the back of the islands, past the Gilutongan Marine Sanctuary, where the reef and marine life are left undisturbed. This is a favorite destination for diving and snorkeling.
An Interlude with the Local Folk Your boat drops anchor off Sabang (1), where you transfer to a small paddleboat that brings you to shore. From the beach, it is only a short walk to the community center (3), where refreshing buko (young coconut) drinks and the community's warm hospitality await you.
Get a firsthand view of life in this fishing village and understand better the people's relationship with their environment. Engage villagers in a friendly discussion as they show you their fishing gear, traditional shellcraft, and native cookery.
And, while the villagers regale you with old Visayan songs and extemporaneous poetry, savor the sumptuous lunch and fresh fruits that Sabang's womenfolk prepared especially for you.
Into the Birds' Haven After that rejuvenating interlude with the community, you're just about ready to get on the next leg of the tour: a paddleboat ride that will take you to the Bird Sanctuary through Suba Channel (2), the community center, the Mangrove Tunnel (4), and then to Babag Channel (6) and within comfortable seeing distance of the birds' Nap Flat (6), where bird viewing is at its best.
But, first, to enhance your encounter with Olango's winged visitors, our naturalist guide gives an overview of migratory birds and Olango's protected wetlands, and a gentle reminder on proper behavior in the wildlife sanctuary.
Then, armed with binoculars, spotting scopes and field guidebook, you set out on small boats paddled by local guides and cruise through the Mangrove Tunnel that leads to the sanctuary.
A brief walk on the wetland allows you to examine interesting plant and animal species that form the food chain valuable to birds and humans on Olango. You spot a bird or two flying by, or feeding nearby.
Then: "Stop," your guide says in a hushed voice, when he spots a big or interesting flock. He positions the spotting scopes, and as you peek through the scopes for a closer view, explains the characteristics and ecological value of the different bird species.
This is one place where you can truly appreciate how life is literally shaped and influenced by the movement of the tide. To give you as spectacular a view of the birds as possible, the tour is timed to coincide with the onset of high tide at the sanctuary. As the tide animates and carries food into the wetlands, birds fly in in big numbers to feed on the vast tidal flat. You get a rare treat when high tide coincides with the setting of the sun at the sanctuary. Then thousands of birds fly silhouetted against the sunset, as the stark backdrop of the tidal flat is transformed into a vibrant vista of changing hues.
A Fond Farewell Another paddleboat ride, and you're back in Sabang , in the villagers' warm embrace. Your host community is likely to ask you how you liked the tour -- good or bad, your impressions will help them manage their venture better. Then, with songs about their hopes and visions for the future, they bid you a fond farewell, and to please come again soon.
An Option: Swimming and Snorkeling As an additional option, you may choose to stop briefly on Gilutongan Island to swim and snorkel at the Gilutongan Marine Sanctuary, and take a closer look at seaweed farming activities here. The sanctuary is managed by the local government, and the seaweed farms are operated by community members. Both efforts are geared to facilitating better management of the marine environment. Listen closely as your guide tells you about the island's coral reef, and how the community helps to monitor fish population in the sanctuary. Then learn more about seaweed farming from the seaweed farmers themselves. Related story:
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